Executive Director Chris Carter Chats with Congressman Swalwell on the Save Our Stages Act

Friday, December 18, 2020

CARTER:  Hi everybody, my name is Chris Carter.  I’m the Executive Director of Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center and it is my privilege today to be talking to our Congressional representative Eric Swalwell. Today we’re going to talk about the Save Our Stages Act which, I’m keeping my fingers crossed, is going to be part of the larger relief package. But before we get into that, Congressman, could you tell me a little bit about your own experience with the Arts and the impact it’s had on your life? I know you grew up and spent some of your formative years out here in the Tri-Valley. Is there anything that comes to mind that you can think of?

SWALWELL: Oh yes, I learned pretty quickly that I didn’t belong in the arts, or at least I belonged in the audience. I took high school drama class and I was in the play Macbeth. And I just loved it, absolutely loved it, but the drama teacher said that the Arts didn’t necessarily love me back! So I have long enjoyed the Arts and, as a city council member and a planning commissioner in Dublin, I have enjoyed seeing the Tri-Valley evolve and become a place that is host to the Arts. Dublin High School, my alma mater, they invested in a performing arts center, which I would have loved to have had when I was a student there.

I have long supported the Arts and in fact, the first Commission I served on, before even going on the planning commission, was the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission in Dublin. When I was seeking to get involved in Dublin, at first I wanted to run for the City Council. I was all of 25 years old. Thankfully Tim Sbranti said “NO, you’re going to get involved in a Commission.” And I said, “Great, I’ll do the Planning Commission.” He said “No, that’s a high level Commission, you’re going to do the Arts commission.” And I said “Tim, what the hell do I know about Art?” He said “Exactly. Learn art and culture in the community and you’ll be better served.” And I’m so glad he directed me that way.

CARTER: That’s a great story! Tim Sbranti was on our board of directors for a while too and he’s been a great connection for us, so I’m glad to hear that he helped get you going in your career. Can you talk now a little bit about the Save Our Stages Act? In particular, what does it entail and what would we expect to see from it?

SWALWELL: It’s bipartisan legislation and I’m a supporter. It would effectively give small business grants. Not loans, grants. Money that would not have to be paid back. It would go to what is narrowly defined as independent live venue operators, promoters and talent representatives. People, like at the Performing Arts Center in Livermore, who have been affected by this. Because of COVID restrictions, we have not been able to have these live venues operating. And we know it’s not only the talent that’s on the stage, but it’s the people who are behind the curtain offstage, workers in concessions who have also been affected and have lost their jobs. So it would be direct grants, but would also allow recipients of the grants to use the grants for costs incurred because of COVID. So if you’re spacing out seats in the theater or having different sanitation checkpoints or temperature checks or you have to administer a vaccine check, it would help you pay for that. It’s so needed.

“…we know it’s not only the talent that’s on the stage, but it’s the people who are
behind the curtain offstage, workers in concessions who have
also been affected and have lost their jobs.”

The best allies we have on this in Congress, I think, are Speaker Pelosi, who represents San Francisco and a number of stages in San Francisco, and Chuck Schumer in the Senate, who represents the state of New York and is the leader on the Democratic side in the Senate. And Leader Schumer has Broadway [in his district] so I think we have a good shot . If we can’t get it in this short-term relief package that we’re doing in the next 48 hours, I think in the first 100 days of the Biden Administration, we can get it through. So I know our stages are hurting and just thank you all for working so hard to get by and making sure we’re aware of what the need is.

CARTER: You know, I think we all really appreciate that. I could tell you from our own experience, when we had to close in March, our staff got reduced by 85% immediately and the remaining staff took a big pay cut. We’re now part of a larger group that’s formed, the East Bay Venues Coalition, and a lot of those places are in your district. I was surprised to see right now it’s about 25 stages in Alameda County. We kind of checked with ourselves to see “What’s your operating costs annually?” “What are your expenses?”  And we found, collectively, that we contributed about $250M to the local economy. And that doesn’t even include a lot of data that shows when people come to a performance, for every dollar spent, they’re going to spend $12 in the community. How does that align with your understanding and can you talk about more about the economic impact of the Arts?

SWALWELL: That’s right. So around the corner from the [Bankhead] Theater is CREAM, the ice cream shop, if people are not going to the theater they’re not going to get an ice cream after, so there’s a collateral effect in the community that we’ve just identified. That’s what we’re really trying to get at. Who has been affected because of having these large venues [closed], where tons of people would gather and then afterwards or before would spend dollars that keep other businesses thriving.

We also hope that this [relief] package, even if we can’t get Save Our Stages in the short-term package, that it will reload the Paycheck Protection Plan. Obviously a lot of businesses and nonprofits benefited from the PPP. It gave 10 weeks of payroll in essentially a grant form, because if you use the program and used the loan properly, it became a forgivable loan. So we do expect there will be an extension of PPP, that it will be reloaded. I don’t know how many weeks, we’re still negotiating that, but we do know that need is absolutely there.

CARTER: I have to tell you that was a real lifeline for us. We applied for that right away and I don’t know if I would be here talking to you right now if that hadn’t come through, so we really appreciate it.

SWALWELL: Glad to hear that. We did a couple rounds of it and we realized immediately that the banks, because they were getting 4-5 percentage points on each loan, that they were prioritizing the biggest loans. Because the loans were up to $10M, so if you’re a bank, you’re trying to make the most money on the points, so you’re going to put all the $10M loans first and process those, because you’re going to make more money. The smaller loans are going to get processed later. I think that was in the wrong order, so we dispersed the money to smaller, more community banks in poorer areas to try and make sure everyone was getting it. So if there was any fault or flaw in the program, it was that we didn’t anticipate how some of the banks would be doing that. But I think we did fix that and I know in the next roll-out, we’ll anticipate that we have to solve for that.

CARTER: I can tell you Fremont Bank is our bank and they did a wonderful job. They’re awesome! Now could you talk about anything you’d want to tell us and the other operators and venues? Anything you want us to know.

SWALWELL: I would want them to know that I’ve also been working with a theater association, the National Association of Theater Owners, who are almost in the same position that you’re in and the goal is obviously to have a safe environment. I’ve not talked to a single operator who wants to put their audience members at risk or their cast or employees. It’s just, “What can we do to space people out?”  Everyone is obviously facing forward in the theater, in the symphony they’re looking forward, and that puts you in a better position than people facing each other.

There’s the issue of making sure if you serve food, recognizing that you have to sanitize, whether it’s just limiting interaction between people in the common food area. But I do recognize and appreciate that in order for some of your venues to operate, the food concessions are important and pays for a lot of operating cost. So if there were prohibitions on food, that would limit your ability to open. I want you to know I hear the issues you have. I want you open as quickly as possible. And if you can’t open, I want you to have a grant that allows you to have a bridge to the other side.

“… the goal is obviously to have a safe environment …. I want you open as
quickly as possible. And if you can’t open, I want you to have a grant that
allows you to have a bridge to the other side.”

CARTER: Thank you. You know, one of the things that I think is really remarkable about this particular Save Our Stages act, and you said it before, is the bipartisan support of this. It seems pretty overwhelming and you don’t see that very often nowadays. Traditionally the Arts are not always at the top of mind when you think of support, philanthropic or otherwise. Is this a signal of things to come in the future? Have we crossed to where now there is going to be more of that in the future? What are your thoughts on that?

SWALWELL:  I hope absence makes the heart grow fonder. That not being able to go to a performance makes us realize how much we miss it, and how important it is to our lives and our kids’ lives too. I can’t wait to take my kids to see the next Minions movie that was delayed. Usually taking kids to the theater is a nightmare for parents but I can’t wait to get to a performance. I hope that we recognize how much we miss live venue productions and that we go back and support venues as soon as they’re open. And that you have a way to stay in business until we get to that point.

“… not being able to go to a performance makes us realize how much we miss it,
and how important it is to our lives and our kids’ lives too.”

CARTER: Thank you. Now I’m going to put you on the spot for just a second. One of the things I like to ask a lot of people, and you’ve been to the Bankhead Theater, who would you want to see us bring to perform? Is there a particular performer or artist that you’ve really wanted to see?

SWALWELL: Well, I cold-pitched Taylor Swift on a get-out-the-vote video a week before the election and asked her to license the song – to donate the song – and I didn’t know anyone in her universe. But it made its way all the way to her and she agreed. She donated the song to us, it’s the first time she’d ever done that. So I’m a Swifty…

CARTER: Well, maybe you can help us make that connection! We do have Vanessa Williams coming in the fall for our Gala, so I’ll make sure you I send you an invite.  Thank you very much. Really appreciate your time, I know you’re super busy. Good luck with everything. Have a great holiday!

SWALWELL: You too. Thank you and thank you to everyone with the Performing Arts Center. Hang in there and I look forward to seeing you all!

Just 48 hours after this interview, Congress agreed on a Relief Package that, if passed, will include $15 billion in funding for the Save Our Stages Act. 

WATCH THE INTERVIEW NOW

 

YOUTH ALWAYS FREE!

Fandango! 

SAT OCT 18 | 2PM 
One of the most exciting groups on Chicago’s musical scene, Fandango! presents a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan, and classical sounds. Founded by four multi-award-winning, globe-trotting virtuosi who hail from SpainFranceBosnia, and Taiwan, they have played, separately and together, on the world’s most prestigious stages.

Get Tickets Now for a Semi-Staged
co-production with Broadway South Bay starring Nicole King as Anya

24th Annual
ArtWalk Livermore
THIS SATURDAY!

Annual ArtWalk
Saturday, October 11 | 11am – 5pm
Join us at ArtWalk – the Tri Valley’s premiere one day art festival. Over 200 artists display their works on sidewalks and plazas, in parks and galleries, surrounded by boutique shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants in historic downtown Livermore.

Livermore Valley Arts offices are closed today,
Thursday, June 19th.

Join by Mail

Download and Complete the form and then mail to us at:
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550

Our Team

Directory

Executive Director
Chris Carter
[email protected]

Director of Finance and Administration
Reanna Bradford
[email protected]

Director of Marketing
Ruth Egherman
[email protected]

Director of Operations
Eric Johnson
[email protected]

Production Manager
Gary Brunclik
[email protected]

Assistant Production Manager
Rachel Anderson
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Carol Edwards
[email protected]

Facility Manager and IT Coordinator
Julio Gomez
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Box Office Manager
Debra Olson
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Visual Arts & Education Manager
Anne Giancola
[email protected]

Development Manager
Brittany Mulgrew
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Bernice LaRosa
[email protected]

Programs Coordinator
Treg Van Dyke
[email protected]

Marketing Manager
Andrew Kracht
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Social Media Manager
Allie Lopiano-Hastey
[email protected]

Food and Beverage Manager
Ann Rice
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Development Assistant
Tracy Sahn
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Visitor Center Supervisor
Susan Miller
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RESIDENT COMPANIES

Get to Know Our Resident Companies

Home to ten Resident Companies with over 270 combined years of artistic experience, the Bankhead Theater’s state-of-the-art facilities enable these organizations to grow artistically and institutionally, develop audiences and collaborate on key projects while maintaining their respective missions and identities.

Cantabella Children’s Chorus

Cantabella Children’s Chorus is a non-profit organization located in the Livermore Tri-Valley. CCC strives to foster and promote the appreciation of choral music in the community through performances at various local corporate and civic functions and churches but above all to have fun.

Del Valle Fine Arts

Del Valle Fine Arts has been presenting outstanding classical music concerts in Livermore for over 35 years. This highly-regarded series offers dazzling performances by acclaimed professional chamber music groups and soloists from throughout North America and beyond. A particular objective of DVFA is to introduce young persons to the appreciation of fine music. To that end, children are admitted free to its concerts, and full-time students above high school can procure tickets at a special reduced price.

Livermore-Amador Symphony

Livermore-Amador Symphony – The symphony offers four concerts a year, as well as a Pops fundraiser. Symphony Guild – If you enjoy LAS concerts, join like-minded people of the Symphony Guild and support this community orchestra! Guild members encourage interest in the symphony and sponsor fund-raising activities. The Livermore-Amador Symphony has received funding from: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, City of Livermore Commission for the Arts, City of Livermore Tourism and Special Event Fund, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Clorox Company Technical Center-Pleasanton, Target and Livermore Rotary.

Livermore Valley Opera

Livermore Valley Opera combines the talents and expertise of professional music, stage and chorus directors, principal singers, musicians, and designers with the dedication and practical abilities of a volunteer board, adult chorus, stage crew, props master, stitchers, and set builders. Each fall and spring, LVO presents locally produced, fully staged operas with orchestra. Additionally, LVO presents special concerts, events and fundraisers in the winter and “Opera in the Vineyard” in the summer. LVO promotes local talent and attracts outstanding Bay Area singers, directors and conductors.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is a 40 piece symphony orchestra composed of professional musicians from throughout the Bay Area. It was founded over 20 years ago by its talented conductor and musical director, Lawrence Kohl. The orchestra combines the precision of a small ensemble with surprising dynamic range and power. PCO is notable for innovative and insightful interpretations of music of all eras.

Rae Dorough Speaker Series

The Rae Dorough Speaker Series features leading thinkers in science, literature and the arts who discuss topical issues of particular interest to the Livermore community in the intimacy of the Bankhead Theater.

Sycamore Strings Academy / Bothwell Arts Center

The Sycamore Strings Academy (formerly Suzuki Strings Academy) carries on a tradition from 1984 of quality music education in the Tri-Valley area. The Academy includes certified Suzuki instruction on string instruments, licensed Kindermusik classes and a popular guitar program. Students perform across the region in year-round concert series.

Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre

Formerly Pleasanton Playhouse, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre presents a variety of audience-pleasing musical theater. As a non-profit, volunteer regional arts organization, we continue our mission to provide affordable quality theatre, training and cultural experiences, with a focus on children and family participation.

Valley Concert Chorale

The Valley Concert Chorale is a chorus of about 40 singers, many of whom live in the Tri-Valley area, including Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville. VCC’s director is John Bush and featured pianist is Daniel Glover. If you would like to sing with VCC, why not arrange for an audition? You can audition at any time, and then join the chorus at the beginning of the next quarter.

Valley Dance Theatre

Valley Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to providing exceptional dance instruction and productions to the Tri-Valley Area. Their focus is in classical ballet and modern dance. Each year they present a full-length Nutcracker with a live orchestra, and a Spring show with varying themes.

accessibility at the bankhead

Accessibility

TICKETS
Wheelchair accessible seats cannot be purchased online. You must call our Ticket Office in advance at 925.373.6800 for seating and to ensure your needs are thoroughly met.

DROP OFF/PICK-UP
There is a drop-off/pick-up area located on Railroad Avenue, on the right side of the street, before you reach the stoplight to enter the parking garage.

PARKING
Handicapped-reserved spaces are located on the lower level of the Livermore Valley Center parking garage.

SEATING
An elevator is located on the West end of the main lobby.

LISTENING DEVICES
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge from the House Manager’s Office in the lobby. Please let us know when purchasing your ticket of your special needs.

RESTROOMS
Fully accessible restrooms are located in the main lobby and in the upper lobby.

Support the Arts

Inscribed Pavers

Dedicate one of the decorative paver blocks that frame and define the entry from the Livermore Valley Plaza to the Bankhead Theater. Each size allows you to personalize your dedication and/or message. Once you’ve placed your order we’ll contact you to help you choose the exact message for the paver you’d like to donate.

LOGO & BRICK ART
Permanently commemorate a company or brand, feature your family crest or create your own custom design while supporting the arts with an engraved logo or artistic brick. The image will be etched in black on a sand-colored paver (6×12 or 12×12) or light gray granite tile (24×24). They are visible to thousands of people each year attending a variety of events and performances on the Livermore Valley Plaza and in the Bankhead Theater.

24″ x 24″ – Madden Family Courtyard – $1,500
12″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $1,000
Logo Art Brick – Livermore Valley Plaza $500
6″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $375
6″ x 9″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $150


PERSONALIZED SEATS
Seat donations will be recognized by a commemorative medallion on your chosen chair in the Bankhead Theater as well as on the Donor Wall in the Lobby.

Grand Tier Seats $5,000
Central Tier Seats $2,500
Upper Tier Seats $1,000

Please note: donating a personalized seat does not guarantee the right to sit in that seat for a given performance.

Leave a Legacy

With a legacy gift to Livermore Valley Arts, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Making a legacy gift to the Center also qualifies you to join the Legacy Society, a group of philanthropic and pioneering members who share a strong bond with LVPAC and a desire to ensure a meaningful, lasting home for the arts in Livermore Valley.

If you have already included LVA in your plans (or if you intend to), please let us know. Contact Chris Carter, Executive Director, at [email protected] or call (925) 583-2311.

We accept a range of planned giving options:

In Your Will
The simplest way to leave a planned gift is to make a bequest including specific language in your will or living trust naming LVA as the recipient. The following is an example of suggested language to include in your will/trust:

“I give and bequeath to the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, a California non-profit corporation, located at 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550, the sum of $____, or ______% of my estate, to be used for the accomplishment of its general purpose (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is the easiest way to create dependable income for life and help the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer CGAs but can recommend an administrator.

Charitable Trusts
A Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust allows you to receive an estate or gift tax deduction and create a source of income for you or your loved ones while supporting the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer these trusts but can recommend an administrator.

Real Estate/Appreciated Assets
A variety of assets can be donated such as real estate, appreciated securities, and tangible personal property such as art or jewelry. Donating appreciated assets can help offset income and capital gains taxes. If you are contemplating gifting an investment property or a vacation home, a gift of real estate offers an excellent option for tax-wise giving. You can also include the Center as a beneficiary of real estate or appreciated assets in your will. Please be aware that as part of our gift acceptance policy, all gifts of real estate, appreciated assets and tangible personal property are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Retirement Plan Donations or Life Insurance Policies
You can name Livermore Valley Arts as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401k or 403b retirement plan or life insurance policy. This is a simple, effective way to support the arts while reducing or eliminating significant, often unanticipated tax penalties.