Our First Great Event
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Our First Great Event 〰️
We are excited to announce there will be a LIVE AUCTION at the Swing where 2 historically valuable, autogaphed guitars, one from The Little River Band and the other from Player will be up for auction during the event. In addition we will have an extensive SILENT AUCTION where items such as Wine Tasting Certificates, original art and gift baskets will go to the highest bidders. Come for the dancing, leave with a prize!
Click the CD on Pete’s image to visit PeterDeluke.com
Opening for Pete Deluke and the Melotones will be The Eastlake High Schaal Jazz Ensemble
April 26, 2026
An evening honoring and featuring a Living Music Legend Pete Deluke and his Mellotones Orchestra.
A Save Starlight Bowl Fundraiser
Pete Deluke once performed at the Starlight Bowl, leaving behind music, stories, and memories that still echo through the amphitheater.
On April 26, we gather not only to raise funds for the restoration of this historic venue — we gather to celebrate a man whose life embodies the spirit of Starlight.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of Big Band music, dancing, and camaraderie.
The Legend of Pete Deluke, A Career Spanning Generations
At 96 years young, Pete Deluke is a living bridge between the golden age of American music and the future we are building at Starlight.
His remarkable career began at age 15 as a professional reed player and went on to perform as a featured soloist with the UCSD Wind Ensemble, then with the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Copley Symphony Hall, and performed with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra and many other famous bands.
Why This Night Matters
During this special evening, Save Starlight and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria will present Pete Deluke with award plaque recognizing his extraordinary contribution to music and to the San Diego community. Pete Deluke’s plaque will become the first tribute on Starlight’s future Legacy Wall, symbolizing the connection between Starlight’s past and its future.
When Starlight reopens, his name will welcome generations to come.
Our Mission
The Save Starlight mission is to repurpose San Diego’s abandoned historic Starlight Bowl, restoring and modernizing the facility under community collaboration into an inclusive and innovative interaction of arts, culture, and education for all.
“This venue is essential to San Diego and Balboa Park’s history. No matter what kind of show or performance you can recall, everyone has the memory of the joy and magic they experienced here.”
About Us
SAVE STARLIGHT - A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
The Save Starlight organization’s goal is to preserve The Starlight Bowls history and memories and to also create a new and adaptable platform for future events and generations.
The Starlight Bowl, a 4,000 seat outdoor amphitheater, was originally commissioned by the Ford Motor Company for the 1935 California-Pacific Exposition. The venue has grown and evolved over the years turning into one of San Diego’s favorite, historic and precious gems. Families of multi-generations have developed a passion and dedication to Starlight's events, sadden to see it abandoned in despair. Most people remember The Starlight Bowl for its famous musical theater shows it produced during the summers in San Diego. However, the previous tenants have left and the venue has been abandoned for almost 15 years.
Not only did Starlight host many stage productions, it also hosted music legends.
ADA Facility Improvements
The Starlight Bowl has been authorized to receive $500,000 for ADA Facility Improvements.
We are excited to share that the Housing and Urban Development/EDI Appropriations Community Project has appropriated $500,000 specifically for the Starlight Bowl to make necessary ADA facility improvements. We have increased our efforts to advocate for Starlight, and our hard work is paying off. Save Starlight wants to expressly thank Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Mayor Todd Gloria, and Carleton Overstreet, Jr. for their efforts to make this happen.
Thank you to our supporters
