This well-respected organization has been bringing marquee names to San Diego since 1968. About half of the 40-plus annual shows are held October through May in the 500-seat Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla; others are presented at venues around town, including the acoustically excellent Neurosciences Institute, Copley Symphony Hall, and the restored Birch North Park Theatre. The annual highlight is SummerFest, a 3-week series of concerts, forums, open rehearsals, talks, and artist encounters -- it's held in August and is perhaps San Diego's most prestigious musical event.