Special Event: Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra headline ARTS by George!, an annual gala benefit that supports student scholarships and arts programs at George Mason University. The evening combines a series of student performances and interactive exhibits, a dinner with open bar, and the main concert by Goldblum and his ensemble, followed by a post‑performance reception onstage. Goldblum, a celebrated actor with a six‑decade career spanning film, television, and stage, founded the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra more than thirty years ago; together they reimagine jazz classics and American Songbook favorites with charm and swing. Their acclaimed albums have featured guest artists including Gregory Porter, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, Scarlett Johansson, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo.

When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 8:30 p.m.

Venue: George Mason University Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus.

Full description: This event is the 21st annual ARTS by George! gala, an evening like no other, supporting George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts student scholarships, the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. The evening has two ticket options: the Full Experience Benefit Ticket, which includes performances and interactive exhibits by Mason Arts students and faculty, dinner with open bar, garage parking, premium orchestra seats to the 8:30 p.m. concert, and a post‑performance reception onstage with the artist; and the Concert‑Only Ticket, which grants admission to the 8:30 p.m. performance only.

Tickets: Full Experience Benefit Ticket: $350 for George Mason alumni ($275 in benefits); $450 for individuals ($275 in benefits). Concert‑Only Ticket: $145, $105, $75 (prices include fees). Tickets are not available as part of a Center for the Arts 2026–27 subscription package or at a discount. Prior to August 4, 2026–27 season subscribers may purchase concert‑only tickets as a Special Event add‑on. A limited quantity of free student tickets will be available two Tuesdays prior to the event.

Run time: Approximately 90 minutes.

Ages: This performance is appropriate for all ages.

Accessibility: This performance will be ASL interpreted.

Program: The performance program will be available the week of the event; a digital program will be viewable then.

Sponsor: ARTS by George! Presenting Sponsor: Atlantic Union Bank.

Note: Sponsors of the event receive additional tickets and benefits. The performance is not eligible for subscription discounts or package deals.