Fullerton concert blends jazz, film and local history in community tribute

FULLERTON, Calif. (March 30, 2026) — Titled “Fullerton Remembers: The Music, The Movies & The Stories We Carry,” a free concert experience celebrating the intersection of music, film and community memory will be held Sunday, May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton.The event will feature live jazz and other musical performances by local musicians from movies and inspired stories from residents who attended the historic Fox Theatre Fullerton.

The program also highlights Fullerton’s cultural legacy, including the influence of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, whose electric guitars helped shape modern jazz, blues and rock music.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with a lobby experience featuring live Dixieland music by the Dixiedelics, along with a vintage movie theater theme that includes popcorn, memorabilia and a photo station.

Steven Kraus, Fullerton resident and trumpeter with the Dixiedelics said “ The style we play represents exactly what Fullertonians would have enjoyed in the 1920s when the Fox first opened. Our city has launched many musical careers through the prestigious departments at Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton, and several of our members are proud alumni of both. In fact, our roots trace back to the 1980s as members of the Fullerton College Lemon Street Stompers, led by the legendary instructor Richard Cruz.”

Over the years, "The Delics", that flaunts a New Orleans jazz style haveperformed at manylocal such as Rutabegorz Restaurant, Steamers, Bourbon Street, Les Amis, as well as community staples like the Fullerton Museum Center, Morningside, and Gordon Lane.

They will perform a set of movie theme songs in tribute to the 100 years of the Fox Theatre.,

“This program is about how music and movies become part of our personal history,” said Elizabeth Roberts, manager of McAulay and Wallace. “The songs we remember, the films we saw and the places we gathered all shape who we are, and they are very much a part of the lives we honor every day. And even in difficult times, music has a way of bringing people together and keeping memories alive,”

The program also features performances by the California State University, Fullerton jazz ensemble known as the Titan Six, directed by jazz drummer and educator Paul Kreibich, who previously performed at many of the Fullerton venues, but also toured as the drummer for the legendary Ray Charles for four years.

Additional performers include vocalists Miranda Mower, who was part of the jazz graduate programs at both Fullerton colleges, who will be accompanied by pianist Isha Love of Temple Beth Tikvah of Fullerton, where Mower has also served as the cantorial soloist.

Award winning tribute artist Martin Anthony will also entertain with a variety of romantic movie song hits.

Musical selections include jazz standards and film classics such as “As Time Goes By,” “Moon River” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” The program concludes with “Over the Rainbow,” symbolizing hope and the enduring power of music.

In addition to live performances, the event incorporates personal recollections from community members about their experiences at the Fox Theatre, including childhood matinees, first jobs and memorable moments shared with family and friends.

The event is open to the public and is free admission and parking.However reservations are recommended by calling 714-525-4721or sending an email to Elizabeth.Roberts@DignityMemorial.com .The mortuary is located 902 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton.