Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
These Stars Are Too Good To Pass Up at The Bankhead
Livermore, CA – (September 4, 2024) – Fresh off announcing its upcoming spring season, Livermore Valley Arts is euphoric to announce another five performances in 2025 that have some absolute star talents making their Bankhead stage debuts, five very special additions to an already exciting tail end of a season at Livermore Valley Arts. A wide array of celebrities from the worlds of music, nostalgia, film, magic, and comedy, the starry newly-announced talents will kick off at a special evening with the Rae Dorough Speaker Series with founder and drummer of The Police Stewart Copeland on Wednesday, March 5. Ambassador of the American Songbook and former assistant to Ira Gershwin, on Friday, March 7 Michael Feinstein will be starring in Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble. May will bring just the perfect nostalgia rush for all ages with The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes for not one, but two performances on Saturday, May 10, followed by a magic delight also perfect for families at Michael Carbonaro: Lies On Stage on Friday, May 16. The new shows will round out with previous winner of Last Comic Standing, Josh Blue, and his Freak Accident Tour on Friday, June 6. Livermore Valley Arts Members have exclusive presale access to these not-to-be-missed stars beginning this Thursday, September 5 at noon, with general public on-sale set for Thursday, September 12 at 12 pm. The 2024-2025 Bankhead Presents series will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.
In March, LVA will continue presenting the Rae Dorough Speaker Series with an exciting addition to the RDSS Season with Stewart Copeland and his speaking engagement, Have I Said Too Much: The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures. A-List rock star Stewart Copeland enjoyed remarkable success with The Police and is one of the greatest drummers of all time, a multi-Grammy winner, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Having played drums for Curved Air from 1975 to 1976, he went on to drive The Police to world domination between 1977 and 1986 before composing Hollywood soundtracks, writing books, forming a supergroup, making films, and composing for ballet, opera, and classical music. In this fascinating “Evening With,” Stewart will talk about his incredible life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer, delighting Tri-Valley audiences at an unforgettable evening on March 5.
A few days later, a musical genius who has built a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world will be gracing the Bankhead stage. In Michael Feinstein in Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, Feinstein brings to life Big Band Celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Supported by the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, Feinstein pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound. The performance will feature hits such as “Because of You,” “Rags to Riches,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Best is Yet To Come,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Stranger in Paradise,” and many more. Feinstein’s dynamic interpretations, coupled with the grandeur of the big band, will create an unforgettable night that honors the legacy of Tony Bennett in all its glory. Feinstein’s close friendship with Bennett adds a profound layer to this tribute, as their camaraderie brings authenticity and depth to each note performed. Not only does Feinstein’s masterful interpretation of Bennett’s timeless repertoire pay homage to an era of classic songwriting, but it also preserves the rich cultural heritage that these songs represent. As said by Feinstein himself, “Tony Bennett is one of the most enduring icons of the 20th century. He has created a body of work surpassed by none.” The show also brings to bear the history of Carnegie Hall, which has been connected to the American big band for decades. Icons from across the 20th and 21st centuries have graced the stage of Carnegie Hall, from Benny Goodman to Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, and from Frank Sinatra to of course, Tony Bennett. A multi-media element of the show will help to bring this history to life onstage for Livermore audiences on March 7. (This show is not affiliated with the Tony Bennett Estate.)
A show so thrilling it needed not one, but two performances at The Bankhead, The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes will have both a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday, May 10. At this one-of-a-kind performance, join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride. After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics. A film that has enchanted families and audiences for decades, Tri-Valley audiences will be invited to journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, and of course, true love. Elwes has been in a multitude of films and TV shows, including Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Saw, Twister, Liar, Liar, Stranger Things, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He recently starred in Guy Ritchie’s “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre,” “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1” with Tom Cruise, Zack Snyder’s sci-fi epic “Rebel Moon,” and his latest movie, Guy Ritchie’s “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” based on the true story of the first British secret mission during World War II. Now Elwes is hitting the road to share with fans the personal stories behind the making of this iconic piece of cinematic history from his impressive filmography. Don’t be a “Humperdinck,” make haste to see The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes for a night you will always “tweasure.” (A limited number of VIP packages are available and include the best seats in the house, a Meet and Greet with Cary Elwes, and a signed copy of Cary Elwes’ best-selling book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride.)
The Bankhead family time continues on May 16 at the gripping Carbonaro: Lies On Stage. Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Michael Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI: Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Following Carbonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, Michael launched his hit comedic series “The Carbonaro Effect,” which has run for over 100 episodes on truTV and currently airs on Max and in syndication worldwide. In this series, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Jaws drop when he causes a car to disappear from under a security guard’s nose or makes alien crabs transform into kittens in a science lab. Whether posing as a coffee shop barista, museum curator, or seemingly unremarkable store clerk in the REAL world, Carbonaro’s illusions – along with his absurd, matter-of-fact explanations – leave REAL people bewildered and families at home laughing out loud. In 2016, Michael embarked on his first theater tour with the widely acclaimed show “Michael Carbonaro Live!,” and launched his current live show “Carbonaro: Lies on Stage” in 2021. Playing to over 200 thrilled audiences across the country, Michael continues to showcase his unmatched blend of humor and charisma along with inventive illusions which amaze audiences of all ages, cementing himself as one of the most dynamic entertainers of his generation, and he will be at The Bankhead in May 2025.
Summer will welcome Josh Blue: The Freak Accident Tour to bring belly laughs all around in Downtown Livermore. After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. In 2018, Josh crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In the same year, he was honored with a performance at the William H. Macy Gala at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. He wrapped up 2018 by recording his fifth hour special, Broccoli, at his home club, Comedy Works, in Denver, Colorado. In 2021, following his 3rd place finish on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Josh Blue hit the road with his As NOT Seen on TV Tour. Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. A versatile comedian and human being, Josh represented the United States in 8 countries as a member of the US Paralympic Soccer Team, and he is a single father living in Denver with his son and daughter. Audiences do not want to miss Josh on his Freak Accident Tour stop on June 6 at The Bankhead.
There is truly something for everyone in these five starry performances, with these world-renowned talents up close and personal right here at the intimate and beautiful Bankhead. Members of Livermore Valley Arts have exclusive priority ticket presale access for these just-announced shows beginning Thursday, September 5 at 12 pm and receive a discount on Bankhead Presents shows year-round, as well as other benefits such as presale access. General public on-sale begins Thursday, September 12 at noon. To become a Member, contact 925-583-2313 or visit LivermoreArts.org. Tickets for all shows in the 2024-2025 Bankhead
Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at the box office windows Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm noon to 6 pm at 2400 First Street in Livermore. 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, over 40 studio artists, and cultural arts instructors. LivermoreArts.org
Show: Stewart Copeland
Have I Said Too Much: The Police, Hollywood, and Other Adventures
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:30pm
Tickets: $25—$80 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Michael Feinstein in Because of You
My Tribute to Tony Bennett featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble
Date/Time: Friday, March 7, 2025, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$130 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes Date/Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
Tickets: $50—$150
Show: Carbonaro: Lies On Stage
Date/Time: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$95 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Josh Blue: The Freak Accident Tour
Date/Time: Friday, June 6, 2025, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$60 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20% Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
