FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Livermore Valley Arts

Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306

[email protected]

Tickle Your Funny Bone This Spring at The Bankhead

Livermore, CA – (March 23, 2023) –

Over a series of Friday evenings this spring, Livermore Valley Arts will have a heaping serving of laughs for all during its 15th Anniversary Season. From the best laughs in the Bay during the Best of SF Comedy Competition on Friday, March 31, to Late Nite Catechism, an interactive comedy and one of the longest running shows in Chicago and U.S. theatre history, on Friday, April 21, to a Tri-Valley comedic force to be reckoned with, Faith Alpher, who will give all the belly laughs in her show Funny, Flawed, & Fabulous on Friday, May 5, The Bankhead will be providing so many LOL moments, and more, this spring. All three of these hilarious performances will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.

Hundreds of comedians audition each year to compete in the SF Comedy Competition, but only thirty-two are chosen. For more than forty years, the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition has served as a major springboard for the most talented new comics in the country. Back at The Bankhead by popular demand, a new group of competition winners will take the stage for only one reason on March 31 – to make audiences laugh! This almost-sold-out show features Joe Zimmerman, with opening comedians including Brooke Heinichen, Jalisa Robinson, and Ta’Vi, whose biographies are as follows:

Joe Zimmerman, known for his inventive writing style and playful persona, grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and started his comedy career in North Carolina. While living in the South, his stand-up group the Beards of Comedy landed a record deal with Comedy Central Records. He moved to New York City in 2012, quickly appearing on The Late Late Show and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, as well as performing at Montreal’s prestigious Just for Laughs festival. His resume has since grown to include The Tonight Show, Conan, Nickelodeon, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour. Joe’s solo album Smiling at Wolves reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts and is played regularly on SiriusXM, and he has also contributed humor pieces to The New York Times. Joe’s new podcast, “A Great Listening Experience,” details his questionable attempts to attain infinite knowledge and power. Among his many podcast & radio appearances, he has recently appeared on “2 Dope Queens,” “The Dork Forest,” “Bob & Tom,” “The Todd Barry Podcast,” and “The Artie Lange Show.” Joe is frequently touring, headlining clubs around the country, and occasionally opening for super stars Brian Regan and Ricky Gervais.

Brooke Heinichen is a San Francisco stand-up comedian, and she is the winner of the 2019 Rooster T. Feathers’ comedy competition, out of 180+ comics. She has performed at the 2018 and 2019 SF Sketchfest, selected as one of Audible’s Fresh Faces of Stand-Up (a show highlighted in USA Today), and has opened for Janeane Garafolo. She was selected for the 2018 SF International Comedy Competition, and has performed at Punch Line SF, Cobb’s Comedy Club, and is a paid regular at Rooster T. Feathers. She has studied satire writing with The Second City, and her jokes have been featured on the front page of Reddit and as the Joke of the Week at the DNC Speechwriters office. She produces monthly Bay Area showcases Jokelandish, Resistance is Fertile, and Brave New Jokes.

Jalisa Robinson brings her sometimes-deadpan, sometimes-sparkling style to everything from race to the patriarchy to getting hit on at Whole Foods. A native midwesterner, she now lives in the Bay Area and performs at and produces the most popular independent comedy show in San Francisco, Cheaper Than Therapy, which welcomes over 25,000 guests per year. She regularly performs at the Alameda Comedy Club, the Set-Up, and Don’t Tell Comedy. She’s performed at comedy festivals including SF Sketchfest and Oakland Comedy Festival, in addition to nationwide. Besides being a San Francisco International Comedy Competition Semi-Finalist, she also featured at the 2022 Without Rhyme nor Reason Tour.

Ta’Vi is a comedian from Sacramento, California who is ready to take the world by storm, having made her name as a local favorite. Ta’Vi has worked alongside legendary comedians Arsenio Hall and Bruce Bruce, with both praising her publicly for her natural talent. One can catch her performing at comedy clubs across the Nation and in the Bay at venues like Cobb’s, Punch Line SF & Sacramento, Tommy T’s in Rancho Cordova, and Laughs Unlimited in Sacramento.

A few weeks later, the “inspired, well-written, and hilarious” (New York Times) Late Nite Catechism will bring Sunday School to Friday night at The Bankhead. An uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back – sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully – to the children they once were. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students” (the audience), and over the course of the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with everyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school, with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm. In 1993, authors Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan created this hit show, not knowing their little comedy would go on to become the longest continuously running show in Chicago history, the longest one-character comedy in off-Broadway history, and one of the most beloved comedies of all time. Whether one spent 12 years in Catholic school, or one thinks a Hail Mary is only a football pass, this show is accessible to all. This unique theatre experience – part catechism class, part stand-up routine, part improv and all fun – is coming to The Bankead for an uproarious night on April 21. Late Nite Catechism is a hilarious trip to the days of meatless Fridays, school uniforms, and justice dispensed with a wooden ruler – time to laugh your sins off!

Two weeks after that, The Bankhead will host Tri-Valley actor, speaker, educator, and radio & podcast host Faith Alpher in her show Funny, Flawed, & Fabulous. A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, Faith has been delighting audiences for years. A trained actress, comedian, radio personality, wife, mother, and dog-lover, Faith has a remarkable gift for connecting with people of every background. On stage, her larger-than-life personality and willingness to share her life’s experiences openly and honestly connects audiences not just to her, but to each other. A versatile entertainer with a quick-wit, lively humor, and vibrant style, Faith has become a sought-after mistress of ceremonies for events such as the 60th Anniversary of Hasbro’s beloved Candy Land board game on San Francisco’s Lombard Street, An Evening with Marlee Matline last month at The Bankhead, and more. She appeared on one of the original Oprah Winfrey Network shows “Searching For…” where, instead of a family member, she searched for an elementary school teacher who had changed her life. Also a familiar voice on local radio, Faith has been an on-air presence at KKIQ (101.7) and KKDV (92.1) for more than a dozen years. Her engaging stand-up has kept audiences laughing at the Gotham Comedy Club (NYC), as well as at Comedy Uncorked and Tommy T’s Comedy Club in the Bay Area and around the world. Audiences will love Faith’s explosive, comedic storytelling style, and they will be laughing their way through this show as Faith shares her broken life and why peanut butter is probably her kryptonite. Faith tells it like it is; she’s only saying what one was probably thinking! Her comedy is intimate, intense, and wholly engaging, and on May 5, the Tri-Valley will get to hilariously discover why she is Funny, Flawed, & Fabulous. This event will have an ASL interpreter for the deaf community.

The Bankhead Theater maintains COVID safety protocols with enhanced air circulation and no touch ticketing. Proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter ticketed performances unless noted as part of a contractual obligation with the artist. Tickets for all shows in the 2022-2023 Bankhead Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at the box office windows. For a complete list of events, visit livermorearts.org.

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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
[email protected]

Box Office Manager
Debra Olson
[email protected]

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
[email protected]

Social Media Manager
Allie Lopiano-Hastey
[email protected]

Food and Beverage Manager
Ann Rice
[email protected]

Development Assistant
Tracy Sahn
[email protected]

Visitor Center Supervisor
Susan Miller
[email protected]

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.