Blue Wave California Hosts Major Concert Fundraiser for 2026 Midterms

Event to feature performances by Rufus Wainwright, Lisa Loeb, and more to support key congressional races

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:20pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of vibrant colors, conceptually representing the energy and momentum of a political rally or concert event.A high-energy concert event aims to ignite statewide momentum and resources for key congressional races in California's 2026 midterm elections.Los Angeles Today

Blue Wave California, in partnership with several progressive organizations, has announced a major concert event called 'California Rising' to kick off fundraising and mobilization efforts for the 2026 midterm elections. The high-energy event will take place on May 12 at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles and will feature performances by acclaimed singer-songwriters Rufus Wainwright and Lisa Loeb, as well as Grammy-winning guitarist Laurence Juber and special guests Jean Smart and Andy Richter. Proceeds from the concert will support Blue Wave California's Victory Fund, which will fund organizing, voter outreach, and strategic initiatives in targeted congressional districts as Democrats look to retake control of the House of Representatives.

Why it matters

With Democrats needing to flip only a handful of seats to regain control of the House, and California expected to play a decisive role, this early fundraising and mobilization push is critical to building the infrastructure and energy required to compete and win in key battleground districts across the state. The concert event aims to bring together artists, activists, organizers, and voters to ignite statewide momentum around supporting the congressional seats that will determine the balance of power in Washington.

The details

California Rising will be a high-energy, culturally resonant event designed to motivate Californians to engage, volunteer, and vote in the 2026 election year. The concert will feature performances by acclaimed singer-songwriters Rufus Wainwright and Lisa Loeb, as well as Grammy-winning guitarist Laurence Juber and special guests Jean Smart and Andy Richter. Proceeds from the event will support Blue Wave California's Victory Fund, which will fund organizing, voter outreach, and strategic initiatives in targeted congressional districts.

  • California Rising will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
  • The event is being announced on April 14, 2026.

The players

Blue Wave California

A progressive political organization focused on mobilizing voters and supporting Democratic candidates in California.

Women's March Action

A national grassroots movement that advocates for women's rights and progressive causes.

Swing Left

A progressive organization that works to flip key congressional districts from Republican to Democratic control.

People for the American Way

A progressive advocacy organization that works to protect civil rights and civil liberties.

California Environmental Voters

A non-profit organization that works to elect pro-environment candidates and advance environmental policies in California.

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What they’re saying

“This event is about bringing people together across organizations, communities, and movements, to build the momentum we'll need to win in 2026. California is positioned to play a decisive role in determining control of the House, and building momentum at this stage is critical.”

— Steve Pierson, Executive Director of Blue Wave California

What’s next

Tickets for the California Rising concert are available now and expected to sell out quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Blue Wave California website at www.bluewavecalifornia.org/concert.

The takeaway

This concert fundraiser represents an early and ambitious effort by progressive organizations in California to mobilize voters, volunteers, and resources ahead of the critical 2026 midterm elections. By bringing together artists, activists, and political leaders, the event aims to build the momentum and infrastructure needed to flip key congressional seats and retake control of the House of Representatives.