EMBARGOED TO DECEMBER 1, 2023
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
THIS JUST IN: The Perfect Gift Experience: the Next Starry Additions to the Bankhead Presents Season in 2024
Livermore, CA – (November 27, 2023) – A special gift with options for all ages, Livermore Valley Arts is thrilled to announce another number of exciting 2024 performances added to the Bankhead Theater’s lineup in the coming months. Be it an entertainer direct from Hollywood, a tribute show to some of music’s biggest female legends, a cartoon experience like no other, or a moving return visit from last year, these sparkling additions to the Bankhead Presents season will be the perfect ‘stocking-stuffer’ for those who need just the ‘right’ gift! From a needs-no-introduction Evening with Henry Winkler on March 14 to a dazzling night of girl power and music at Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly on March 15, the middle of March is looking starry in the Tri-Valley. Later in the spring, the shows keep coming with the whimsical Animaniacs in Concert on April 5, followed up with a triumphant, moving return visit from Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir on June 21, both lighting up the Bankhead Stage. LVA is overjoyed to announce these additional shows that have something for all ages. These aforementioned performances will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore. Livermore Valley Arts’ Members get priority access to tickets beginning at noon on Friday, December 1st, with regular tickets on sale for the general public beginning December 8th, 2023.
A star whose name says it all, Bankhead Presents The Rae Dorough Speaker Series, is proud to be bringing to the Tri-Valley the biggest name in the history of RDSS. In this captivating evening in Downtown Livermore, Henry Winkler will share humorous stories and inspirational lessons from his career, craft, and life—from his breakout role as “The Fonz” on Happy Days to his four decades as an Emmy-winning actor, producer, director, and author. Audiences do not want to miss this unforgettable evening at The Bankhead on March 14, with a star of this renown coming
to Livermore in a sure-to-sell-out Bay Area performance.
Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the
Country Music Hall of Fame. On March 15, Trailblazing Women of Country will entertain and inspire audiences during this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, featuring soloists Miko Marks, CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country,” and Nashville-based singer Kristina Train, both supported by a 5-member all-female band. Cline, Lynn, and Parton harnessed country music’s rich storytelling tradition to offer their uniquely empowered—and unmistakably female—perspective on issues faced by women of their day. Their shared legacy of musical excellence, earthy glamour, and unapologetic authenticity continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds in the 21st century: Patsy’s assured contralto affirms that a woman can be heartbroken and sure of herself at the same time (“Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight”); Loretta’s songs exalt autonomy attained through contraception (“The Pill”) and self-respect (“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ with Lovin’ On Your Mind”); and Dolly demonstrates that a woman can ascend the career ladder (“9-to-5”) while never losing sight of her roots (“Coat of Many Colors”). Through their singular voices and artistry, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton defied restrictive gender norms, proving that women can be at once beautiful and strong, vulnerable, and powerful. The Bankhead cannot wait for this powerful night of music and inspiration in Downtown Livermore.
A few weeks later, on April 5, it’s time for Animaniacs in Concert! Join the voices of Animaniacs, the iconic animated Warner Bros series (produced by Steven Spielberg), for a “zany, animany and totally insaney” evening as they perform the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed by the original projected animations. Animaniacs: In Concert stars the show’s original Emmy-Winning composer, Randy Rogel on piano, and the voice talent of Emmy winner Rob Paulsen (Yakko & Pinky on Animaniacs; Raphael on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Animaniacs remains as topical and relevant today as it was when the TV series debuted in the early 1990s. With new episodes currently streaming on HULU, Animaniacs is a
multi-generational animated favorite with universally recognized hit songs. Fans of all ages will experience Animaniacs like never before…especially those who grew up watching the series. As the creators say, “Animaniacs in Concert is for the adults – it’s hip, it’s funny…but kids will love it, too!” This will be a memorable one for the whole family to enjoy!
Back to cap off our Juneteenth Celebration once again, The Bankhead is overjoyed to present the acclaimed Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC), making a triumphant return on June 21. Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will celebrate Juneteenth with experience and music that brings and shares the African-American community’s resiliency, joy, and strength. Under the direction of Terrance Kelly, this diverse, inclusive group takes us through a gospel music journey – introducing different styles of Black gospel music and connecting it to the Freedom Songs of the Civil Rights movement and music today. Founded in 1986 by Kelly, the mission of OIGC is to inspire joy and unity among all people through Black gospel and spiritual music traditions, weaving together more than 300 singers across multiple choirs from a wide range of faiths, races, and cultures. Under Artistic Director Kelly, the Choir performs 25-30 times a year. It is inclusive of an ensemble of nine to fifteen singers representing OIGC at additional events, with performance highlights including jazz festival tours, the CA Governor’s Tree Lighting, inauguration ceremonies, and annual performances with the Oakland and San Francisco Symphonies. Tri-Valley audiences can once again get ready to stand up, clap, and even sing along with a joyful sound on June 21. As proven with last season’s show, this will be a moving and inclusive performance, perfect for the entire community.
The Bankhead Theater maintains COVID safety protocols 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: An Evening with Henry Winkler
Date/Time: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $25—$110 ($25 student/military personnel)
Show: Trailblazing Women of Country: From Patsy to Loretta to Dolly Date/Time: Friday, March 15, 2024 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$90 ($25 student/military personnel)
Show: Animaniacs in Concert
Date/Time: Friday, April 5, 2024 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$75 ($25 student/military personnel)
Show: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Date/Time: Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$35 ($25 student/military personnel)
Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
