FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
regherman@lvpac.org
KATHARINE MCPHEE: TO HEADLINE LIVERMORE VALLEY ARTS’ BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR, BRILLIANCE AT THE BANKHEAD!
LIVERMORE, CA – (March 12, 2024) – Livermore Valley Arts is celebrating the start of the 2024-2025 season with a multifaceted artist with a global impact, Katharine McPhee, headlining its annual Brilliance at The Bankhead fundraising gala on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Star of Broadway’s Waitress, TV’s Smash, and runner-up on the fifth season of American Idol, Katharine McPhee is a singer, actress, and songwriter who will delight the Tri-Valley with her enchanting and soulful vocal talents. She will be accompanied by the Livermore-Amador Symphony at the largest fundraising event of the year for Livermore Valley Arts. Proceeds support activities at both the Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell Arts Center, as well as the independent non-profit organization’s broad educational and cultural arts outreach activities. From her electrifying performances on Broadway to her chart-topping hits, Katharine McPhee has mesmerized audiences around the globe with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. Now, she brings her star power to Brilliance at The Bankhead, promising an unforgettable night of music, magic, and memories.
Katharine McPhee stands as a beacon of talent and versatility in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences across film, television, Broadway, recording, and concert stages worldwide. Rising to prominence as a standout contestant on Season 5 of American Idol in 2006, McPhee’s journey from the reality competition to becoming a household name has been nothing short of remarkable. As an actress, McPhee has left an indelible mark on television, starring as ‘Paige Dineen’ in CBS’s acclaimed spy drama Scorpion (2014-2018), and gracing the screens as one of the leads in NBC’s musical drama Smash (2012-2013), produced by the iconic Steven Spielberg. Her versatility extends to comedy, with a memorable role in the Netflix series Country Comfort (2021), alongside an array of guest appearances on popular shows, including CSI: NY,
Community, Family Guy, and Ugly Betty. She will be accompanied by the Livermore-Amador Symphony at the largest fundraising event of the year for Livermore Valley Arts. Proceeds support activities at both the Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell Arts Center, as well as the independent non-profit organization’s broad educational and cultural arts outreach activities.
Beyond the screen, McPhee’s soaring vocals have garnered her acclaim in the music industry. Renowned for her powerhouse presence and show-stopping performances, McPhee’s recordings have topped charts in multiple genres, from pop to jazz to adult contemporary. She has graced the stage for numerous PBS broadcasts, including Foster and Friends, Chris Botti In Boston, and headlining her own SoundStage special.
In a testament to her versatility, McPhee made her Broadway debut in Spring 2018, starring as Jenna in the hit musical Waitress, featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Her portrayal earned widespread acclaim, leading to her originating the leading role in the West End production before returning to Broadway for the show’s final weeks.
This upcoming season marks Livermore Valley Arts’ 18th season of programming which will be announced on April 17, 2024, and the organization is thrilled to kick off the 2024-2025 celebration and the season with this entertainer of stage, theatre, and television. Brilliance at The Bankhead includes a gourmet dinner provided by On The Vine, coffee provided by Story Coffee, exciting raffle prizes, and live and silent auction items. Multiple sponsorships make this evening Livermore Valley Arts’ biggest fundraising event of the year. Six months in advance of the event, initial sponsors for the 2024 Season Gala already include Jean King, Denise Watkins, Lynn & Joan Seppala, Phillip & Muriel Dean, David Haubert, Alameda County Supervisor, First District, Sensiba, UNCLE Credit Union, Lance Cavalieri Jewelers, Embarcadero Media, Hawthorn Suites, and Visit Tri-Valley. At this early date, Livermore Valley Arts still welcomes sponsorships for this glamorous night of entertainment from corporations, media, and individuals. To sponsor this evening, please send a note to the Development Department at development@lvpac.org.
Livermore Valley Arts offers wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. Located in the heart of Downtown Livermore, the Bankhead Theater welcomes artists from diverse musical genres, as well as theater, dance, comedy, and other
entertainment to suit all ages. The Bothwell Arts Center at 2466 Eighth Street is an arts incubator offering affordable studio, classroom, rehearsal, performance, and event space. Art exhibits curated by the Bothwell are on display year-round in the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at The Bankhead. Together, The Bankhead and Bothwell are home to nine resident performing arts companies, as well as over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors; for more information, visit LivermoreArts.org.
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Show: Brilliance at The Bankhead starring Katharine McPhee
Date/Time: Saturday, September 7, 2023 at 6:00pm
Tickets: $300—$600 (includes gourmet dinner on the Bankhead Plaza and Performance) Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
