Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Romance of the Mission benefit gala is planned for Friday, September 16 on the grounds of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Longtime benefit gala partners The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel are the 2016 honorees and this year’s concert artist is season XIV American Idol finalist Clark Beckham.

Beckham will perform a live concert in the ruins of the Great Stone Church with songs that cross many genres including the benefit gala tradition, When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano. At just eight years of age, Clark Beckham started singing with his parents in a gospel trio and playing various musical instruments. In 2015, he combined his soulful, bluesy vocals with an incredible talent on the piano and guitar to take America by storm and finish as runner up in American Idol's Season XIV.  

The benefit gala begins at 6:00 p.m. with an opening reception in the Mission’s Front Gardens followed by the Clark Beckham concert, historic bell ringing and candlelight four-course plated dinner hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in the Main Courtyard.

For tickets, underwriting opportunities or more information about the benefit gala, contact Barb Beier at 949.234.1323 or visit www.missionsjc.com.