In celebration of its 50^th Anniversary, the United Farm Workers (UFW) announce the Kris Kristofferson & Friends Concert Series June 15 thru June 22 in cities across California.  The Concert Series will join singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson with renowned Latin artists in the various markets to raise money in advancing the work of the UFW.

Joining Kristofferson in donating their respective performances are: Los Lobos, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Divas, Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas, and Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldivar.

Concert Series tickets are on sale now through each venue’s box office. A select number of VIP Artist’s Circle seats will be available. The Artist’s Circle seats include premium seating within the first eight rows, a limited edition commemorative concert poster, and a meet and greet opportunity with Kris Kristofferson & Friends after the show.

The Concert Series is produced by LatinPointe and Road Work Entertainment and is sponsored by Southwest Airlines.  The California Concert Series artist line-up and scheduled concert stops include:

Friday, June 15 – San Diego, CA – Spreckels Theatre, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson &  Mariachi Divas

Saturday, June 16 – Fresno, CA – Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas

Monday, June 18 – Stockton, CA – The Bob Hope Theatre, 7:30 pm

Kris Kristofferson & TBD

Tuesday, June 19 – Bakersfield, CA – The Fox Theater, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Los Lobos

Thursday, June 21 – Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 7:30 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

Friday, June 22 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldiva

Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times,” all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.

His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson’s successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films.  In 1977 He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in “A Star Is Born.”  He’s appeared in cult favorites including the “Blade” trilogy, “Lone Star,” “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Blume In Love,” “Cisco Pike,” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” Recent films include “Fast Food Nation,”  “Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story,” “The Jacket,” “Silver City,” “He’s Just Not That In To You,” and “Dolphin Tale.”

Heralded as an artist’s artist, the three-time GRAMMY winner has recorded 27 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world, in most recent years in a solo acoustic setting.

Kristofferson is an outspoken political and social activism.  “It’s an honor for me to share my talent with an organization such as the UFW and its cause of advancing the lives of thousands of workers that put food on all of our tables,” said Kristofferson.  “Joining forces with renowned Latino performers through these special performances offer fans great music with a great cause.”

The UFW is the oldest Latino organization to come out of the 1960’s civil rights movement and the largest farm worker organization in America.  The group continues to be at the forefront of protecting America’s farm workers, ensuring a safe and just food supply and a safe working environment, free from intimidation and threats to achieve a higher standard of living for them and their families.

Other scheduled UFW 50^th Anniversary events include the UFW Awards (May 17^th) and the UFW 50^th Anniversary convention (May 18-20).  Both events will be held in Bakersfield, CA.  A distinguished group of entertainers, public officials, dignitaries and Hispanic national leaders lead by Helen Chavez, wife of founder Cesar Chavez, is co-chairing the 50^th Anniversary celebration.