🎵 Concert · Tuesday, June 9, 2026 · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Paul Simon: A Quiet Celebration
Rady Shell, San Diego — June 9, 2026
Paul Simon — 84 years old, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, the songwriter behind “The Sound of Silence,” “Graceland,” “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” and about 40 other songs that feel like part of the American air — plays The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Tuesday, June 9. He announced his retirement in 2018. Then he came back in 2025 for the first leg of A Quiet Celebration. It went so well he added 2026 dates, including San Diego. This might genuinely be your last chance to see him live. Gates open at 5:30 PM. Show starts at 7 PM.
🎼 What to Expect — How the Show Is Structured
This is not a standard concert in structure. The show is divided into two distinct parts, separated by an intermission.
Part One: Seven Psalms
The concert opens with Paul Simon performing his 2023 album Seven Psalms in its entirety — a 33-minute continuous piece of music with no breaks between songs. The album addresses mortality, spirituality, and reflection. The volume is intentionally kept low. Variety called it “quietly stunning…unlike any other Simon album.” This part asks the audience to settle in and listen.
Intermission
Part Two: Greatest Hits
After the intermission, Simon performs a selection of his greatest hits and deep cuts — “You Can Call Me Al,” “Graceland,” “The Sound of Silence,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Kodachrome,” “Slip Slidin' Away,” “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” and more.
🎸 Paul Simon's 2026 Band
Simon performs with an 11-piece band including some of his closest longtime collaborators:
| Musician | Role |
|---|---|
| Edie Brickell | Vocals (also Simon's wife) |
| Bakithi Kumalo | Bass (played on Graceland in 1986) |
| Andy Snitzer | Saxophone |
| Mark Stewart | Guitar |
| Gyan Riley | Guitar |
| Jamey Haddad | Percussion |
| Mick Rossi | Piano, keyboards |
🌊 The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park — San Diego's Waterfront Venue
The Rady Shell is genuinely one of the most beautiful outdoor music venues in California. It sits on a peninsula behind the San Diego Convention Center, right on San Diego Bay, with Coronado visible across the water. Sunset over the bay during the 7 PM start time is something you don't forget.
| Address | 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| Gates Open | 5:30 PM |
| Show Starts | 7:00 PM |
| Tickets From | $71.50 |
Parking: Ace Parking has a dedicated pre-purchase page for this show. Parking fills fast for popular Rady Shell events. Buy your parking in advance at theshell.org or use Uber/Lyft. The Gaslamp Trolley stop is about a 15-minute walk.
🎟️ Paul Simon San Diego 2026 Tickets
Tickets range from $71.50 to $251.50. Buy at:
- • theshell.org — official source, no markup
- • paulsimon.com
- • Ticketmaster and AXS (both authorized)
💡 Tips for Paul Simon at the Rady Shell
- • Arrive before gates open at 5:30 PM, especially if you want to grab food and a good spot on the lawn.
- • The Seven Psalms portion is intentionally quiet and contemplative. The audience for this show tends to be attentive — lean into it.
- • Sunset over San Diego Bay happens right around the 7 PM start. The golden hour light on the Coronado Bridge during the opening is exceptional.
- • If driving, pre-purchase Ace Parking through theshell.org. If not driving, Marriott Marquis and several Gaslamp hotels are walkable.
- • This is described as Paul Simon's final extension of his “retirement.” It may be your last chance to see him live.