FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Livermore Valley Arts 

Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306 

regherman@lvpac.org 

Experience Some Beloved Films in a NEW Way This November at The Bankhead 

Livermore, CA – (October 19, 2023) – In the midst of its 2023-2024 Bankhead Presents Season, Livermore Valley Arts is thrilled to introduce a new type of programming to delight Tri-Valley audiences: seeing some favorite films in exciting new ways. Whether it be reliving joyful nostalgia with the stars themselves at Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! on Friday, November 3, or experiencing the score of a perfect film live with the full Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México at Coco In Concert on Wednesday, November 15, The Bankhead will be bringing to life these two fabulous films in new and exciting ways here in the Tri-Valley this November. These unforgettable performances will both be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore. 

Laughs and Nostalgia? “Gosh!” The Bankhead has audiences covered with the cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite on the big screen. But at Napoleon Dynamite LIVE!, the fun doesn’t stop there: after the screening, there will be a conversation and audience Q&A session with stars Jon Heder (Napoleon), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico), and Efren Ramirez (Pedro), where audiences will 

be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the film and the unforgettable characters that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. More than just a film, this will be a laugh-out-loud, eventful experience that will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look like no other. (In fact, past audiences of this tour have commented that the evening exceeded their expectations!) For the full package, the event has a special VIP experience ticket before the screening: fans can join the three wonderful stars for a photo, chat them up, and take home a signed poster. The evening is less a serious deconstruction of a film we all love, and more a fun celebration of this amazing comedy classic. Audiences will not want to miss these stars and this evening full of both silly and funny on November 3. Tickets are selling fast.

Later in the month, audiences are invited to experience another film in a unique way: at Coco In Concert on Tour, join us for a screening of Disney Pixar’s Coco with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, Coco also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. This Oscar-winning Best Animated Feature film tells a compelling story: Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist for Monsters University), and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3). Regarding the musicians, the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México, of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, is a musical group that stands out for its ability to fuse pre-Hispanic instruments with instruments from the colonial era, thus creating a unique and distinctive sound that evokes the rich history and culture of México. This orchestra is made up of expert musicians who are highly trained in the interpretation of a wide variety of genres and styles of Mexican folk music, such as Mariachi, Jarana, Son, and Huapango music, among others. In addition, their repertoire includes songs and instrumental pieces dating from pre-Hispanic and colonial times, which allows them to connect with the country’s historical and cultural roots. Among the instruments used by the Orquesta Folclórica are traditional pre-Hispanic drums, such as the “Huehuetl “and “Tepobaztli,” as well as flutes, “Ocarinas,” and other pre-Hispanic wind instruments. They also use guitars, violins, double basses, and other stringed instruments that date back to colonial times, resulting in a unique and surprising sound combination. The Orquesta Folclórica manages to transmit to the public the energy, passion, and diversity of Mexican culture through its music, creating an authentic and exciting experience for all those who have the pleasure of enjoying the show. An early evening performance so that the whole family can experience this evening together, Tri-Valley audiences do not want to miss this

spectacular way to experience this perfect film during the Día de los Muertos season on November 15. 

The Bankhead Theater keeps COVID safety protocols in place with enhanced air circulation and no touch ticketing. Proof of vaccination is not required to enter ticketed performances unless noted as part of a contractual obligation with the artist. Tickets for all shows in the 2023-2024 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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Livermore Valley Arts is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit offering wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. The Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center are home to eight resident performing arts companies and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors. LivermoreArts.org 

Show: Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 

Date/Time: Friday, November 3, 2023 at 8:00 pm 

Tickets: $25—$100 ($25 student/military personnel) Selling Fast! 

Show: Coco In Concert 

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm 

Tickets: $25—$90 ($25 student/military personnel) 

Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org