Renowned conductor James Conlon has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire and is one of today’s most versatile and respected conductors and educators. Mr. Conlon has spoken internationally about the power of creativity, the enduring importance of classical music, and leadership insights that resonate across industries. Since his 1974 debut with the New York Philharmonic, Mr. Conlon has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra. He is Music Director of LA Opera, with whom he has won four Grammy Awards and led more performances than any other conductor in the company’s history, and also serves as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Through worldwide touring, an extensive discography and videography, numerous writings, television appearances and guest speaking engagements, he is one of classical music’s most recognized and prolific figures. Mr. Conlon is an enthusiastic advocate of the role music plays in our shared humanity and civic life. He has worked to call attention to the works of composers silenced by the Nazi regime – which led to the creation of The OREL Foundation, the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Recovered Voices, and his popular TEDx Talk “Resurrecting Forbidden Music.” Mr. Conlon has received numerous honorary doctorates and accolades including the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest honor – and was personally inducted by then-President Jacques Chirac.
Robert Linkul is the owner of TOA (TrainingTheOlderAdult.com) a personal training studio and online continued education provider for fitness professionals in Shingle Springs, California. Robert is an internationally known continued education provider for fitness professionals with his area of expertise being in resistance training strategies for the Older Adult with physical limitations and/or decreased quality of life. Linkul has his master’s degree in personal training, is the NSCAs 2012 Personal Trainer of the Year award winner, a 2017 NSCA Fellowship inductee, was voted on to the 2021-2024 NSCA Board of Directors (Personal Trainer Position) and is the Director of Education for Fit Body Boot Camp.
Jen DeMarco has taught yoga since 1990 and has a lifelong dedication to exploring and sharing the depth of yoga practice. For the past 15 years, she has 
Wade Brill is a Mindfulness and Leadership Coach, Author, Podcaster, and Speaker who helps busy professionals experiencing stress and overwhelm be more present, productive, and energized. At the age of 21, Wade survived Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while simultaneously losing her mother to Leukemia. This major life interruption inspired Wade to realize how precious life is and that practicing radical self-care is smart, not sel
Ilene Brenner Schaffer fell in love with The Ranch in the 70s as a young girl when her dad was a regular speaker on holistic health. She is thrilled to return to share her expertise in life transitions and positive psychology (the science of wellbeing). Ilene’s greatest joy is helping clients flourish through life’s constant changes. She loves witnessing someone’s confidence grow as they embrace their strengths, deepen relationships, and step into their power zone. In addition to her life coaching practice, she leads a global executive coaching firm dedicated to leadership and well-being. She is also the host of the weekly podcast “What’s Possible.” Ilene is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, has a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a focus in Life Transitions from the University of San Francisco. She is a mom to two young adult daughters and lives in San Diego with her husband where she regularly enjoys a great beach walk with friends, family, and clients.
Firoozeh Dumas is a New York Times bestselling author and humorist. She has written three books, articles for the New York Times, a one-woman show, pieces for National Public Radio and is currently working on a screenplay. Firoozeh is a storyteller who believes that everyone has a story to tell and everyone’s story counts. In addition to her writing, Firoozeh is active on the lecture circuit, traveling the world reminding her audiences that our commonalities far outweigh our differences, and doing so with humor. 
Bijal Choksi, MA, PCC, CHPC is a Wharton and Columbia-educated social and positive psychologist with 30 years of experience designing science-backed, engaging workshops that blend mindset, resilience, and modern wellness. She’s taught for top-tier coach training programs—including those focused on biohacking and ICF-accredited coaching—and is known for translating research into real-life results. Her sessions are warm, interactive, and filled with tools guests can use immediately to feel more energized, clear, and connected.
April Westmoreland Mosebrook
Chef Vivian Mercado is a young culinary talent with roots deeply intertwined with the vibrant flavors of her homeland, Baja California. Graduating from the Culinary School at the University of Baja California UABC in Ensenada, Vivian embarked on a culinary journey that began by honing her skills at a wholesome meal prep kitchen. Eager to explore the diverse tapestry of local Baja flavors, she took the role of a young manager at a culinary venture, where she delved into the realms of local wines, specialty coffee and artisanal bread. After three enriching years, Vivian returned to Tecate, where she found her culinary sanctuary at Rancho La Puerta. Starting at Tierra Alegre Juice Bar, Vivian delighted our guests with delicious and nutritious smoothies and cold pressed juice creations; a year later she had the opportunity to join the main Rancho La Puerta kitchen as Sous Chef for three years. Now, at La Cocina que Canta, Head Chef Vivian brings her expertise, creativity, and unwavering passion for culinary excellence to every dish she crafts, to every class she teaches.
Brent Hedstrom, from the bright lights of Broadway to the vibrant chaos of the art studio, Brent’s journey is nothing short of eclectic. His resume spans theatrical stage makeup for iconic productions like The Lion King, Romeo and Juliet, Terracotta Warriors and Medea, to owning a salon where his mastery of color and form took on new dimensions. A self-proclaimed “art junkie,” Brent Hedstrom channels his creativity into a wide range of visual art. In his studio he works with acrylics and oils on wood panels, resin finishes, metal and paper weaving, and a special passion: marbling all kinds of paper into mesmerizing patterns.
Duo Mundi: George & Gulimina
Claudia Russell, a celebrated California troubadour, and her husband Bruce Kaplan, a master of electric guitar and mandolin, form an enchanting duo that brings a tapestry of Americana sounds to life. With Claudia’s angelic voice and Bruce’s intricate accompaniments, they create music that resonates with both the heart and soul. Based in the Bay Area, Claudia and Bruce take their audiences on a musical odyssey through the diverse landscapes of American music. Their journey pays homage to the iconic sounds of Laurel Canyon, the historic folk of Greenwich Village, the soulful essence of blues divas, and the rustic charm of Bakersfield’s country scene. At the core of this journey is Claudia’s evocative voice, her skillful guitar playing, and their shared talent for storytelling through music. Since their debut in 2000, this dynamic duo has captivated listeners in over 1000 performances across the United States, from intimate clubs to major festivals and everything in between. Their music, known for its genuine emotion and captivating melodies, has not only thrilled live audiences but has also been celebrated in esteemed circles. Claudia has twice been a finalist in the prestigious Kerrville New Folk competition, and their artistry has been recognized in American Songwriter, Sing Out, and even on NPR’s All Things Considered. As they prepare to grace the stage at Rancho La Puerta, Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan promise an unforgettable musical experience that harmonizes the spirit of Americana with the charm of this Mexican paradise. Their performance will be a journey through song, inviting listeners to explore the richness of American music and the intimate stories that make their artistry so unique. Join us for an evening of soul-stirring music and discover why Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan are not just performers but true musical storytellers.
Jessie Chang is an accomplished pianist who has received top honors in more than thirty prestigious national and international competitions, including numerous first prizes. She is the first pianist to win four gold medals at the U.S. Open Music Competition. A highlight of her career includes an appearance at the Blossom Festival with The Cleveland Orchestra. She has also been featured at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium, Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium, and before an audience of 28,000 at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Jessie has performed with numerous orchestras, including the San Diego Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Westchester Philharmonic, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra, and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra.has received top honors in more than thirty distinguished piano competitions of national and international stature, including various first prizes.
ng Yan is a cellist and dedicated music teacher who began her studies at age six with her father. She later trained at the Tianjin Conservatory and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, earning top prizes in both China and the United States, including first place in the La Jolla Young Artists Competition. She went on to receive her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Boston University, where she studied with Leslie Parnas. Ling has performed widely as a soloist and orchestral musician, serving as principal cellist with several Colorado ensembles, including the Boulder Philharmonic and Colorado Ballet Orchestra, and performing with orchestras in California such as the Pacific Symphony and Long Beach Symphony. She has appeared as a soloist in both the United States and China. She is the founder and longtime member of the Harmonium Trio, with whom she has performed a diverse repertoire throughout California. Passionate about teaching, Ling is devoted to helping young musicians grow not only in technique, but also in confidence, expression, and artistry. She is also a frequent judge for string competitions.
Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and just ran her sixth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2026!
Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.
Percussionist, conductor, and author Steven Schick, hailed by Alex Ross in the New Yorker as, “one of our supreme living virtuosos, not just of percussion but of any instrument,” has championed contemporary percussion music by commissioning or premiering more than one hundred-fifty new works. Steven Schick is artistic director of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players. As a conductor, he has appeared with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony, Ensemble Modern, the International Contemporary Ensemble, and the Asko/Schönberg Ensemble. He is the curator of, and was most recently conductor and percussion soloist in, “It’s About Time,” a festival of the San Diego Symphony held in January of 2018. Schick’s publications include a book, The Percussionist’s Art: Same Bed, Different Dreams, and many articles. He has released numerous recordings including the 2010 “Percussion Works of Iannis Xenakis,” and its companion, “The Complete Early Percussion Works of Karlheinz Stockhausen” in 2014. He received the “Diapason d’Or” as conductor (Xenakis Ensemble Music with ICE) and the Deutscheschallplattenkritikpreis, as percussionist (Stockhausen), each for the best new music release of 2015. He was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2014. Steven Schick is Distinguished Professor of Music and holds the Reed Family Presidential Chair at the University of California, San Diego. He was music director of the 2015 Ojai Festival, and in 2017, the co-artistic director, with Claire Chase, of the Summer Music Program at the Banff Centre. In 2018 Schick became the Artistic Director of the Breckenridge Music Festival.
Corina Rose is a singer/songwriter from San Diego and “Our Love is Freedom” is her third album to be released and according to her “it’s the first album that is very intentional.” The theme of the album is Love-universal, transcendent, energetic and passionate. Each song represents a different facet of Love, Love for humanity and each other.
There are songwriters who chronicle life; 
Wil-son Williams is a Philadelphia native who began performing at the early age of 8 with The Next Generation Dance Company under Stephan Love and Leon Evens. Excelling in tap, jazz, and African genres, Wil has performed at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, and has made a guest appearance on the television talk show “People Talk.” In addition, he has trained under world-renowned entertainers Maurice Hines, Jaye Allison, and Delphine Mantz—all before reaching high school. Wil continued his dance education with ballet and modern techniques at the High School of Creative and Performing Arts Philadelphia (CAPA High).
Juan Pablo Andrade, a prominent Costa Rican pianist, enjoys a dynamic presence both on stage and in the academic realm. Recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Costa Rican National Prize of Music— the highest honor bestowed upon a musician by the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. He has also received top honors at international competitions like the Artlivre International Piano Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Carlos Enrique Vargas National Piano Competition in Costa Rica. With a performance schedule that spans several continents, Andrade has played as a soloist with various orchestras. He is also a familiar face with the Costa Rican National Symphony. His recital tours have taken him through the Americas and Europe, with standout performances at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern, Switzerland, the World Piano Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia, and a solo recital tour in South America. His CD “War to Peace” with violinist Betul Soykan, has been warmly received by critics, including a notable review in Fanfare magazine. In the academic realm, Andrade serves as a Professor of Piano at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he brings his rich performance experiences into the classroom. His commitment to music education extends beyond his university role, frequently serving as a guest faculty at international festivals and founding the La Frontera International Piano Conference in Brownsville, Texas. This event underscores his passion for enriching the cultural tapestry of the region and providing platforms for musical exchange.
Linda Chávez is a distinguished Mexican-American pianist. She holds degrees from the University of Texas at Brownsville and Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A laureate of an impressive array of awards, grants, and scholarships, Miss Chávez has crafted a career that epitomizes excellence in both performance and education. Her talents have garnered her coveted invitations to international festivals as diverse as Costa Rica, Italy, Aruba, Austria, Puerto Rico, and Lincoln Center in New York City. Currently, Ms. Chávez is the principal pianist for the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she is the visionary founder and enthusiastic proprietor of the Brownsville Piano Studio, South Texas’ premiere institution dedicated to piano education. Under her guidance, the studio provides instruction to over 225 students each week. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led to the creation of Ananda Music Experience, an innovative online music program tailored for adult women who aspire to learn music in a mindful and enriching environment. Linda Chávez continues to inspire and make a profound impact in the world of music; fostering positive change through music is a hallmark of her distinguished career.
Reece Jensen is a 
Dr. Lani Simpson DC, CCD, is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (analyzes bone density exams), chiropractor and author of the best-selling book, Dr. Lani’s No Nonsense Bone Health Guide. In 2016, her PBS show: Stronger Bones, Longer Life was aired nationally. She herself was diagnosed with osteoporosis in her mid-40’s and as an avid biker, runner, and tennis player she had never fractured a bone. Her own diagnosis set her on a course to learn about the complexities of bone health. She went on to develop a well-rounded diagnostic approach that includes bone density testing, lab tests, nutritional analysis, and exercise. She learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and she supports the wise use of bone medications. It is her life’s mission to educate the public regarding osteoporosis prevention, and an osteoporosis diagnosis so that they are better able to advocate for themselves with their healthcare providers. Now at the age of 75, Dr. Simpson continues to teach bone-related courses and she is still fracture free.