Bankhead Presents Program | September 2024
SF Comedy Competition
THU SEP 19 @ 7:30 PM
Fox Family Productions is bringing the finals of its illustrious San Francisco Stand-up Comedy Competition to Livermore! Past champion Jackie Flynn, currently starring on the TV series “Loudermilk,” will host. Before bringing on the contestants, Jackie will rapid-fire his unique Boston-style material to warm up the crowd. At evening’s end, he’ll keep the laughter going while the judges’ scores are being calculated backstage.
Five finalists, having risen to the top of this year’s field during four weeks of elimination shows throughout Northern California, will each perform for 15 minutes. They’ll hope to hear their name announced as the winner of the lion’s share of $20,000+ in prize money. Not to mention the glory that goes with joining Comedy Competition alumni like Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Pollak, Sinbad, the late Robin Williams, and even Louis CK.
Past champion Jackie Flynn
Sponsored in part by
Forever Motown: So Good for the Soul
FRI SEP 20 @ 8 PM
SOLD OUT
Imagine seeing the greatest Motown groups of all time, all on one stage together again! That’s Forever Motown and it’s so good for the soul. Hitsville churned out all the #1 hits back in the 60s and 70s…and this show celebrates the best of the best from Berry Gordy’s Detroit hit-making factory. A fabulous cast, backed by a band of incredible musicians, represents Motown royalty — performing the beloved songs from the greatest groups, artists and songwriters of all time: The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Stevie Wonder. “Clearly the best Motown Review to date”, raved CBS News; “Captures the essence of America’s own music in an evening of sheer fun”, wrote the Washington Post. “Bring your dancing shoes and bring the whole family. This is a show for everyone.” exclaimed the Entertainment Review. Sing, dance & celebrate the music of your life to songs like “My Girl”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, “Reach Out”, “Shop Around”, “Dancin’ In The Street”, “Stop, In The Name Of Love”, “Ain’t Nothin’ Like The Real Thing”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” & “Uptight” – nearly 30 non-stop hits in all!
LVA Sponsor
LVA Sponsor
LVA Sponsor
UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater
Karen Barry, Waiting For The Train
Rails Connect: A Livermore-Pleasanton
Railroad Journey through Art & History
Now thru October 6, 2024
Thursdays — Sundays, 1 pm — 5 pm
FREE & OPEN to the Public
A collaborative art exhibit with the Harrington Gallery in Pleasanton and in partnership with Niles Canyon Railway, this is a group exhibition featuring artists and photographers with artwork that highlights Livermore and the Amador Valley’s rich railway history and culture.
Moon Coin Production Inc. Presents
Eagles fans! Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music with Eagles Tribute “Take It To The Limit”, performing in Livermore for the 1st time on Feb 6th! With rave reviews from coast to coast, this show promises to be a fully immersive experience, capturing the essence and energy of an authentic Eagles concert.
Facebook: @EaglesTributeShow / Instagram: @EaglesTribute
Earlier This Month
Brilliance at The Bankhead starring Katharine McPhee
SAT SEP 7 @ 5:30 PM
Katharine McPhee is one of a handful of artists who takes the lead in a career that includes film, television, Broadway, recording and concert tours. Katharine first burst onto the scene in 2006, during a successful run on Season 5 of AMERICAN IDOL, that made her a household name.
As an actress, she is well-known to television audiences for starring as ‘Paige Dineen’ on the CBS’ spy drama SCORPION (2014-2018), and also as one of the leads in the NBC musical drama SMASH (2012-2013), executive produced by Steven Spielberg. She also starred in the Netflix comedy series, COUNTRY COMFORT (2021). She has also guest-starred in the series CSI: NY, Community, Family Guy, and Ugly Betty.
As a singer, Katharine is renowned for her powerhouse presence, and show-stopping performances. Her recordings have topped the charts in multiple genres including pop, jazz and adult contemporary. A sought-after performer, Katharine has taken the stage for various PBS broadcasts throughout the years, including Foster and Friends, Chris Botti In Boston, and headlining her own SoundStage special.
In Spring 2018, McPhee made her Broadway debut starring as Jenna in the hit musical WAITRESS, featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. She then originated the leading role in the West End production and then returned to Broadway to perform in the shows final weeks.
In addition to her acting and singing career, McPhee is a passionate philanthropist, having served as an ambassador for organizations such as BuildOn, Malaria No More, and Feeding America. Katharine continues to perform at many charitable events including The David Foster Foundation of which is an avid supporter.
A veteran of the concert stage, Katharine performs to sold out audiences around the world. Most recently Katharine paired with David Foster to create a show called ‘An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee’. This in demand show has garnered rave reviews and they perform to sold out concert venues around the world. Christmas 2022 Katharine released Part 1 of her Christmas album called Christmas Songs. A collection of Christmas classics produced by David Foster. Part 2 was released Christmas 2023.
The Jayhawks
SAT SEP 14 @ 8 PM
The incredible harmonies and distinctive arrangements of The Jayhawks set them apart from the rest of the Minneapolis music scene that emerged in the 1980s. Over the course of almost 4 decades, 11 albums, countless memorable live shows and enough personal drama to fill a couple of Behind the Music episodes, this beloved band soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans and peers in the process.
After releasing 2 Indie albums in the 80s, The Jayhawks had become a driving force and inspiration behind the growing Americana movement in the early 1990s. Combining the talents of singer-songwriters Gary Louris and Mark Olson, The Jayhawks released their major label debut, the acclaimed Hollywood Town Hall (1992) on the Def American label. This was followed by Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995), which produced the alternative radio hit single “Blue.”
When Olson left to pursue a solo career, Louris singularly took over the songwriting role in The Jayhawks creating the band’s enduring sound on some of their best selling and well-received albums including Sound of Lies (1997), Smile (2000) and Rainy Day Music (2003).
Louris continues to write and tour with the longtime core group of Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg, and Tim O’Reagan. While the touring line-up has changed over the years and Olson briefly reappeared in 2010 to record and tour, this classic lineup maintains a commitment to excellence and forward motion in their shows and in their recordings. Paging Mr. Proust (2016), was produced in Portland with Peter Buck and Tucker Martine and found the band moving in several new exciting directions. The band’s 10th studio album, Back Roads And Abandoned Motels, was released in the summer of 2018, featuring Jayhawks versions of songs Gary Louris had previously written with other artists plus 2 new compositions. In July 2020 The Jayhawks released their latest album, XOXO, that features songwriting and lead vocal contributions from all 4 core members.
The Jayhawks have made music in 4 different decades and are as vital now as they were in 1985. They definitely have earned their reputation as a true American treasure.
